The Essentials of Recovery Rarely have we seen a person fail who has thoroughly followed our path (recipe). Those who do not recover are people who cannot or will not completely give themselves to this simple program (recipe), usually men and women who are constitutionally incapable of being honest with themselves. We thought we could find an easier softer way. But we could not. (Based on your log list, is this your experience - yes-no?) Half measures availed us nothing. (AA p. 58-59) Of alcoholics who came to AA. and really tried, 50% got sober at once and remained that way 25% sobered up after some relapses, and among the remainder, those who stayed on with AA. showed improvement. Other thousands came to a few AA. meetings and at first decided they didn't want the program. But great numbers of these—about two out of three—began to return as time passed (AA p. xx. We find that no one need have difficulty with the spirituality of the program. Willingness, honesty and open mindedness are the essentials of recovery. But these are indispensable. AA p. 568) Willingness: Are you willing to show-up and do the work (yes-no?) Honesty: Will you answer questions honestly with a simple yes or no (yes-no?)
